Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning! (PDF)
SATB choir, Piano, Oboe solo [opt. Flute or Violin]
Words and Music by M Ryan Taylor

     The words of this reverent spiritual were inspired by an April 2004 general conference address and based on scriptural texts. The overlying message is one of peace and comfort: that the Bridegroom (Christ) is near, He is even at the door, that we have no need to fear if we will but wait on and for Him, keeping our lamps “trimmed and burning.”

The Words:
Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
Make ready for the coming of the Bridegroom.

See the fig shoot forth branches,
Shoot forth leaves green and tender,
Watch it grow bright and glorious.
Come greet our Lord for summer’s nigh at hand,

Hear His footsteps aproaching,
Hear His footsteps aproaching,
Hear His footsteps aproaching,
The Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
The Bridegroom cometh; summer’s nigh at hand.

For we know that He is near,
He is even at the door,
Yet we have no need to fear
if we keep His oil in store.

See the fig shoot forth branches,
Shoot forth leaves green and tender,
Watch in grow bright and glorious.
Come greet our Lord for summer’s nigh at hand.

Though the earth may reel and shake,
wars and tempest rail the land,
hearts of men turn cold and quake while false teachers band,
if we look to Christ, our guide, firm and steadfast we will stand.

Hear His footsteps aproaching,
Hear His Hear His footsteps aproaching,
The Bridegroom cometh; summer’s nigh at hand.
Make ready for the coming of the Bridegroom.
Keep your lamps . . .